Night fell, but the small mountain village was still unusually lively in the winter evening.
"Dinner's ready! Come and eat!"
It was time to set the table again. The villagers gathered together, supporting the elderly and bringing along the children.
They lit the fires, chopped meat and bones, washed pots, and poured in oil... just as they always did.
Amid all the bustle, laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air.
The New Year hadn't arrived yet, but the village already had the festive atmosphere of the holiday.
Everyone had gathered together, busy in every corner.
Li Fan sent someone to call Yunxi and the others, then took Xin Ning, Gongya, and the rest to get to work right there on the spot.
"This deer's wings are tender and delicious—the very best part... Xiao Li should cook these!"
"Duck feet are good, too. We can braise the feet and necks!"
"This wild bull's meat is probably tougher than wild boar!"
Uncle Zhang and a group of villagers were breaking down the prey, commenting on the various ingredients as they worked.
"Jiang Xue, you're finally back!"
Aunt Wang was overjoyed to see Jiang Xue. She pulled her over to the side and complained,
"You just left back then and never came back. It's been so many years—we aunties have missed you so much... Now that you're back, you're staying in the village for good. You're not allowed to go anywhere!"
Jiang Xue's eyes brimmed with emotion. She had only lived in the village for a while, but the villagers... treated her like family.
She nodded and smiled.
"Auntie, I'm not going anywhere this time... I'll help you peel the garlic."
She immediately picked up a handful of garlic and started peeling.
Aunt Wang smiled.
"Good!"
Meanwhile, the three newly arrived "mental